Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised strong objections to proposals aimed at pausing political campaigns in several northern states, arguing that such actions could erode constitutional freedoms and heighten concerns about voter exclusion in regions already facing severe security challenges.
His response comes after indications that the Senate is considering restricting political activities in about eight states affected by increasing violence, including Borno, Benue, and Plateau. In a statement released on Sunday through his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku, a presidential hopeful under the African Democratic Congress, described the idea as alarming. He emphasized that although insecurity remains a serious national issue, it should not serve as a reason to limit citizens’ democratic rights.
Atiku stressed that participation in elections is a basic right that must not be compromised under any circumstances. He warned that any effort, whether open or subtle, to limit political engagement in parts of the North could lead to justified fears of marginalization among residents.
He also referenced prior intelligence suggesting possible attempts to reduce voter participation in strategic northern regions, noting that recent discussions appear to validate those earlier concerns. According to him, the issue goes beyond campaign activities and touches on broader principles such as representation, inclusivity, and the credibility of the democratic system.
Atiku argued that suppressing public expression cannot resolve insecurity, insisting that democracy should not suffer due to governance shortcomings. He maintained that citizens in northern Nigeria deserve both safety and the full exercise of their political rights, adding that neither should be sacrificed for the other.
He further pointed out that ensuring security is a core responsibility of the government, while citizens must be allowed to participate freely in civic processes without fear. Restricting such freedoms, he said, especially at a time when people are already dealing with economic hardship and violence, would only worsen public distrust and deepen national divisions.
Atiku called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and the administration of President Bola Tinubu to clearly state their positions on the matter and assure Nigerians that no region would be denied its constitutional entitlements.
The conversation around suspending political activities has gained traction due to growing concerns within the National Assembly about worsening insecurity, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
Recently, Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, urged lawmakers to consider drastic emergency measures. Speaking during plenary, he suggested either a nationwide halt of political activities or targeted suspension in states most affected by violence, including Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano.
Ningi stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that lawmakers should not ignore the crisis simply because they are removed from its direct impact. He argued that the persistent deterioration of security requires more decisive actions rather than repeated discussions without tangible outcomes.
His proposal reflects increasing anxiety over renewed attacks by insurgent groups, particularly Boko Haram, which have carried out coordinated strikes on military facilities and posed fresh threats to efforts aimed at rescuing kidnapped civilians.
